Ornamental reflector and sign



Dec. 7, 1937.

D. A. WING ORNAMENTAL REFLECTOR AND SIGN Filed July 3, 1955 e [/7 /l gflr a wa ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 7, 1937 PATENT OFFICE UNITED STATES.

3 Claims.

This invention relates to light reflecting means and more particularly to light reflecting means for use in signs, displays, and other ornamental surfaces and effects.

One of the prime objects of the invention is to design a very simple, practical, and inexpensive means and combination for producing attractive signs and kindred articles and devices, which reflect light and produce the effect of motion or movement caused by change in perspective and/ or angle of reflection.

Another object is to provide means for producing ornamental signs and similar devices, which requires no artistic skill or skilled workmen, and which are comparatively easy to make up, fit, and assemble.

A further object is to provide combinations of materials which can be formed in different designs, patterns, and shapes, so that a wide variety of ornamental appearances and effects may be produced.

A still further object is to provide means of creating luminous display and/or reflector signs in which the light reflected on the sign area is so emitted or reflected as to be confined within a selected field from which the display characters are clearly visible.

A further object still is to provide a sign, the background or reflecting surface of which can be easily changed or replaced at certain intervals so that a fresh, attractive reflector or background may be had at all times.

With the above and other objects in view, the present invention. consists in the combination and arrangement of parts, hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the form, size, proportion, and minor details of construction, without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the drawing-- Fig. l is a front elevation showing a luminous display or reflector sign embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan View showing the relationship of the foil and transparent material.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail showing a section of glass with a hammered effect.

Generally stated and in accordance with this invention the luminous display or reflecting sign is composed of a transparent panel 6 such as glass; this is preferably patterned pressed glass, either or both surfaces being formed with indentations, raised surfaces, grooves, etc. to produce the effect desired.

This panel 6 is mounted in a frame 1 which can be of any desired material and shape, and ready-formed letters or display characters and outlines 8 can be applied to the inner face thereof, so that they are protected from the weather and form a clearly legible name or sign in a field of reflected light in a manner to be presently described.

The mat or foil 9 can be formed of any suitable material such as pressed or patterned aluminum foil, marketed under the trade-name Alcoa, or it may be material having a bright surface such as silvered glass or bright metal pressed or patterned to supply the desired design effect.

This foil can be placed in facial contact with the inner surface of the transparent panel if desired, but I find that it is preferable to space it a predetermined distance, depending on condi- 2O tions and the effect desired; for example, in the construction of a sign such as shown in the accompanying drawing in which the surfaces of the transparent material are pressed to produce a hammered effect, the foil used is pressed in a manner similar to the transparent material, and any suitable color effect may be obtained by employing a colored foil, or a. combination of colors. This foil is placed on or against a suitable backing panel l0 which is mounted in the shouldered portion ll of the frame, and moulding strips I2 are secured to the frame to secure the panel in proper position.

When using as a sign the characters or outlines are cemented directly on the inner face of the transparent panel, and when the sign is exposed to a passerby, a twinkling or flashing effect is produced, caused by the change in perspective as the person moves along.

Where the focal length is the same as the thickness of the glass, the rough or patterned side of the glass may be placed away from the reflector, said reflecting surface being fastened to the smooth side of the glass. This provides a very economical construction, as no frame is required.

In designs where the glass does not greatly distort the background, the letters or characters may be stamped, printed, or screen processed directly on the foil rather than on the glass, and it will, of course, be obvious that other patterns, colors, designs, and combinations, etc. may be used as desired, and that it may further be used for ornamentation to create beautiful and pleasing effects in trims, placques, trays, and in fact 66 and distinctive effects.

It will, therefore, be s'een that the invention accomplishes its objects, for in accordance with this invention the light emitted from the sign area and the display characters thereon, is limited and confined Within the visible field. Accordingly, the emitted light is transmitted where it will be observable, while it is excluded from outside spaces. It will, therefore, be seen that maximum efficiency issecured, not only is the manufacturing and installation cost low, but the maintenance cost is also negligible due to the fact that the characters, figures, and mat or foil are not exposed to the elements, being enclosed and sealed to properly protect them.

Having thus described my invention, What I 7 claim is:

1. A luminous reflector of the class described anywhere where it is desired to produce different parent glass panel mounted therein, a patterned aluminum reflecting panel spaced from the transparent glass panel, and flat flexible characters mounted on the inner face of the transparent panel to form a sign in the reflected light field.

DEE A. WING. 

